Important historic treasures discovered

A SKELETON found on a South Wales seaside farm in 1977 may have been that of a 15th-century pirate or smuggler.

For the remains were found in a former sandy cove which was a favourite haunt of the seafarers.

Detective Inspector Raymond Hill, head of the CID, Barry, said: “Medical evidence indicates that the skeleton is at least 100 years old and possibly up to 500 years old.

“Further tests are being made on the bones but it is unlikely that the cause of death can be established.”

The skeleton was found by farmer Edward Taylor while he was excavating for sand at the back of his house at Swanbridge Farm opposite Sully Island.

Before the coast road was developed as a breakwater, the tide would have reached the spot and could well have been used by pirates and smugglers who were known to frequent this part of the coast.

In 1899, a hoard of Roman coins, gold and silver was unearthed on nearby Sully Island, which was once the base of 13th-century pirate de Marisoo.

In later centuries smugglers and pirates were known to have frequented the Pot Inn, which was on the site where Sully Hospital stood.

A HOARD of silver coins found on the Wenallt mountain near Cardiff in June 1980 was declared treasure trove – a verdict which will make three South Wales brothers very rich men.

For the brothers, one of whom discovered the hoard with a metal detector, will get the full antique value of the coins which some reports suggest could be in the region of £92,000.

The verdict that the coins were treasure trove was given by an inquest jury in Cardiff under the direction of the South Glamorgan Coroner, Mr William Adams. Mr Shepherd, 37, of Pontypridd, detected the hidden hoard of 12th century coins while on a metal detecting expedition with his 32-year-old brother, Ronald, of Pontygwaith. They were acting on advice given to them by their younger brother Robert, aged 24.